Application Process

The application process may vary by community because each Local Cultural Council is authorized to set council priorities. It is important to read a council's priorities before applying. Continue reading for more general information about applying, and to access the LCC application forms.

Applicants complete their applications online and submit them directly to the LCC to whom they are applying through the online system by the October 15 deadline. In years when October 15 falls on a weekend or holiday, the statewide deadline is the Monday immediately following October 15. While all LCCs use the same basic application form, some may require supplemental materials from their applicants. These can be uploaded and attached to your online application. Before submitting an application, applicants should read the council's priorities for additional instructions. Council priorities can be found by typing the name of the LCC into the search box on this page and selecting the “Council Priorities” tab.

Unless a Local Cultural Council prohibits the practice, it may be possible to submit more than one application to an LCC. However, because the demand for LCC funds far exceeds the supply, applicants should first contact their LCC to discuss whether or not it makes sense to submit more than one application or to prioritize the applications.

If an applicant feels that a program will provide public benefit to more than one community, they may submit an application to more than one LCC.

On September 1 all councils have posted their funding priorities and additional requirements to their council profiles. Applicants should visit the profile of the council to which they are applying to learn of any council priorities. This is also where a council would inform applicants that they require supplemental materials, such as a support letter, to be submitted with their online application.

Applicants can complete their forms online and upload any required supplemental materials up until the October 15 deadline at 11:59:59 pm Eastern Time. In years when October 15 falls on a weekend or holiday, the statewide deadline is the Monday immediately following October 15.

Between September 1 and the deadline, applicants will access the online system to complete and submit applications. A link to the application system can be found under the "Apply Now" tab for every council profile. Users will be prompted to create an account for the online application system. Once logged in, users can begin to complete their form online. Once the application is complete, it can be saved and submitted to the chosen council. Users will receive a confirmation email notifying them that their application has been submitted successfully. Applicants can still apply to more than one council. If an applicant wishes to apply to more than one council they have to complete and submit a new application for each council.

October

Grant applications must be submitted to the LCC through the online system by the deadline, October 15 at 11:59:59 pm Eastern Time. In years when October 15 falls on a weekend or holiday, the statewide deadline is the Monday immediately following October 15.

After the deadline, online submissions will be collated by Mass Cultural Council for each LCC and delivered to the council in the form of a PDF panel book.

November-December

Between November 1 and December 30 councils will hold voting meetings to make decisions on applications, send denial letters, and handle reconsideration requests.

January

By January 15, councils will have submitted their Annual Report to Mass Cultural Council, and will begin to notify applicants.

Ongoing

LCCs process reimbursement requests with their municipality. The time it takes LCCs and cities/towns to process reimbursements varies but can take 4-8 weeks.

Grantees carry out their programs and acknowledge the funding they've received through Mass Cultural Council/LCC.

All applicants should submit their applications through the online system. There may be some councils that accept paper applications. Check the council's priorities to learn if paper applications are accepted. If they are accepted, a Word version of the form is available upon request.

I do not have an internet connection at home, or prefer to handwrite my application. Can I still mail a paper application?
Moving to online applications was an effort to make the program more accessible overall. Remember that you can use your local library to submit the application online, or have someone enter the information into the online application for you. That said, some councils may choose to accept paper applications as well. If a council accepts paper applications, they will post that information in their Council Profile on mass-culture.org.

Can I apply to more than one LCC?
Yes, you are welcome to apply to several local cultural councils if you think your project may benefit more than one community. You will need to start a new application for each council. Remember to read each Council's Profile on mass-culture.org before applying.

I’d like to apply for funding for a field trip, but I can’t find the application.
Applicants may still apply for funding for field trips using the Standard LCC application. Check your Council's Profile on mass-culture.org before applying to make sure that they fund field trips.

The LCC to which I’m applying requires a letter from the venue or other additional support materials as part of the application process. How do I attach these materials?
As in the past, applicants must read the Council Profile on mass-culture.org to determine if any additional support materials are required by that council. If a council requires support materials, such as an artist resume, a flyer for the project, or a support letter, the applicant must upload those materials as a PDF as part of the online application. These materials will be collated with the application and included in the panel book that is delivered to the council. Please note that these PDF’s are limited to three pages. Instructions for converting and truncating PDFs will be available in late July/early August.

After the deadline, contact your LCC. Councils can decide if they would like to do any follow-up to applicants after receiving their application, which will happen after November 1. Even if you haven’t contacted them, you may hear from them if they would like to ask questions or collect additional information.

Will I receive notice of whether my application has been accepted via postal mail or email?LCC’s have the option to send denial and acceptance letters via email or postal mail. Most councils will choose to send emails. If you haven’t received news by the end of January, try contacting the council.

Will the reimbursement process be moving online as well?
No. The reimbursement process will stay the same as it has in the past and will not move online this year.

I have another question that isn’t answered here.
If you have a technical issue or a question about the online application, please contact our help desk at 617-858-2721.